Ants, Empire Make Blockbuster Deal
The Ants acquired scoring winger Marian Gaborik and hard-hitting defenceman Dion Phaneuf in exchange for Milan Michalek, Niklas Bergfors, Ryan Parent, Matt Carkner a 3rd round pick and cash. Though a steep price in terms of youth, Donovan was optimistic about the deal.
“Gaborik is locked up for a few years and Phaneuf is only 23,” noted Donovan, “and they can immediately step into our lineup and take us to another level.”
Gaborik, an offence-minded winger with blazing speed, scored 37 goals last season but has struggled somewhat in New York this season. The Ants hope that with a change of scenery (and linemates) he will regain his nose for the net. Phaneuf is coming off a career season and is on pace to match those totals again this year. A punishing hitter with good offensive instincts, he will likely see significant time on the Ants already deadly power play.
Michalek, drafted by the Ants in 2003, has struggled with reduced ice time after two productive seasons in Philadelphia. Although disappointed to be leaving, Michalek is looking forward to an increased role in New York.
“I have to look at this as an opportunity to get some quality minutes and show my new coach what I can do,” said Michalek.
Bergfors, a scoring winger drafted by the Amsterdam Admirals in 2005, has shown glimpses of the high ceiling he was drafted for but has yet to consistently put up the numbers expected of him. Parent, drafted five spots earlier than Bergfors, has slowly rounded into form and shown steady progression. Both could potentially join the Empire next season if they have solid camps. Carkner is a big, veteran defenceman who can also play forward. Although primarily a minor-league enforcer, he could potentially be a 4th line call-up when some extra muscle is needed.
With these new additions, the Ants can roll out three bonafide scoring lines and three punishing defensive pairings. Although Phaneuf’s arrival likely banishes long-time Ant Eric Brewer to the press box, indications are that there are no immediate plans to move him. However, rumours continue to circulate that the Ants may acquire yet another big-name defenceman before the deadline – which may mean the end of Brewer’s tenure in Philadelphia. Other deals are also in the mix which would move out some of the Ants surplus of talent wasting away in the minors for picks or prospects, those nothing is imminent as of this writing.
